[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CAPTAIN THOMAS ``BILL'' DILLION AND THE FIREFIGHTER'S PRAYER

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 21, 2012

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Monday morning I attended the funeral 
of Captain Thomas ``Bill'' Dillion of the Houston Fire Department. 
Captain Dillion was rushing into a house fire on March 14 when he 
apparently died of a heart attack. Captain Dillion has three children, 
was 49 years of age, and had spent 23 years with the Houston Fire 
Department. Bill's crew at Station 69 spoke about his courage and how 
his contagious happy mood was so infectious. He was a firemen's 
firefighter.
  Mr. Speaker, the firefighters have a prayer to the Great Almighty 
about their public service, saving lives and saving property. Here is 
how the prayer reads:

     When I am called to duty, God
     Wherever flames may rage
     Give me strength to save a life
     Whatever be its age.

     Let me embrace a little child
     Before it is too late
     Or save an older person from
     The horror of that fate.

     Enable me to be alert
     And hear the weakest shout,
     And quickly and efficiently
     To put the fire out.

     I want to fill my calling
     To give the best in me,
     To guard my friend and neighbor
     And protect their property.

     And, if, according to Your will,
     I must answer death's call,
     Please bless, with Your protecting hand,
     My family one and all.

  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________